The Town (Al-Balad)
In the name of Allah, most benevolent, ever-merciful
۞ I do not (need to) swear by this town (Mecca) 1 this land in which thou art free to dwell 2 And the begetter and that which he begat, 3 indeed, We created man in trouble. 4 Thinks he that none can overcome him? 5 He says: "I have wasted a great deal of wealth." 6 Does he think that no one sees him? 7 Have We not made for him two eyes 8 a tongue, and two lips, 9 and guided him on the two paths (of good and evil)? 10 So he did not quickly enter the steep valley. 11 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Ascent is! - 12 To free a neck (from the burden of debt or slavery), 13 Or the giving of food in a day of privation 14 An orphan of near relationship 15 or some needy person in distress, 16 And then being among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion. 17 These are the fellows of the righthand. 18 But those who reject Our Signs, they are the (unhappy) Companions of the Left Hand. 19 The Fire will vault them over. 20